#gisa rants
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watching ATLA live action and i am reliving my zuko loving, zutara shipping era
#hello HAHAH#actually more of zuko loving#i'm reminded of how much i love zuko's entire story idk man#it's giving todoroki (not updated with bn/ha sadly)#a child who saw the cruelty of the world at such young age#his journey to regain his honor sure but also for his father's attention#he didnt know better he just wanted to be happy with his family ugh huhu#but its hard when spite runs deep in the blood of ppl closest to u#inadvertently you adopt it too#nevertheless he had uncle iroh#his relationship with uncle iroh is damn precious ;w;#uncle iroh one of the best characters in atla tbh#antagonist displaying empathy and morality = chef's kiss <3#anw the zutara thing is just minor BUT#i saw this twitter post showing zutara and p&p parallels#HAHAHA I LOVE#enemies-to-lovers trope superior in this house amirite#gisa rants#gisa's fandom life
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me reading the doujins i bought and rediscovering my love for the cute wholesome young and hot (!!) mess of entanglement that is shinran
#i just want them to be INTIMATE your honor#in all sense of the word#hnggg this is gisa that is starved of shinran content#in this craindre doujin theres one page that had me flailing on the floor like a deranged woman#SHINICHIS EXPRESSION WAS SO CUTE I MELT#shinichi holding himself back from ran acting so innocently seductive always gets me okay#when will i be able to continue my r18 SR fics?? when????#Hrrrngngbrhdhddsga#sinfulsachi is sinful#gisa rants
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15 – catching up !
What's so good about him ?!
Scaramouche x reader smau series
synopsis — Your ex boyfriend kuni is in a band called 5wirl and they're pretty well known considering him and his bandmates are still in college but you still hated his guts on how he ended things with you back then in highschool the day before graduation. So whats the best course of action in this situation? make a hate account of him of course.
prev || masterlist || next
Putting your phone down you prepared yourself for the first day of the foundation day festival. You sighed preparing to go out to campus. It's already noon and Lumine left early to prepare and help Ayaka.
On your way to campus seeing the colorful booths and tons of students make you calm down for a while. Surely you won't run into him? you were nervous seeing him after what 2 years? You would think you moved on but the wounds are still here and a ton of "what ifs" and many unanswered questions. To distract your thoughts you already took your phone from your pocket to calm your nerves.
You giggle at Heizou's tweet "Hey this just looks like–" you were cut off by suddenly bumping into someone "My apologies! Are you alright?" you reached for the stranger's hand about to thank them "Hey it's alright! thank y–heizou ?" Your eyes lit up seeing familiar emerald green eyes. As he lift you off the ground he gave you his charismatic smile. "Y/N! well, it's always great to see an old friend." You giggled at him, he didn't change, and sure texting him as "Scarass" His way of texting didn't change but seeing him in front of him as "y/n" and seeing him still being like himself back then in high school feels nice.
"Yeah…I was just about to head in" You pointed to the cafe, the same cafe he tweeted out. "Let's catch up! my treat" He head over to the door opening it for you "You go in first~" You only kept smiling at his gestures "Still a gentleman I see~" He only chuckled back nodding. While heizou is browsing the menu you already said your usual after all this is your favorite cafe on campus. "I take it you go here a lot?" he said before just ordering a frappe. You nodded "This is my favorite place actually!" "I see"
After receiving your orders you began talking by the window telling each other what happened over the years. "Can you believe it! your old buddy is going to be famous" You laughed at his claim "Oh please if you told me in the past that heizou from math class is gonna be a famous drummer I would be laughing my ass off" He gave you a pout before taking a sip of his drink… "Snarky as always y/n" He sighed "Why did we ever stop hanging out ?"
You bit your lip, you cut off contact with 5wirl after your messy breakup. Heizou noticed your sudden uneasiness in his question. You placed your hand over his and smiled "Don't worry im fine now and yes it is because of him". Heizou nodded "Im glad you're doing better, we actually clowned him for being stupid" You giggled at his rant about them just teasing scara. Talking about him made you uneasy at first especially since you imagined the same violet hair in the distance…its probably nothing.
Notes: First written chapters YESSS and was it just just your imagination...?hehe find out next chap!
Taglist!(closed): @sakiimeo @sagegreenthinks @evsolostheuniverse @ozzierenato @mechanicalbeat1 @bananasquash @admiringfish @yuraasia @wolfe02 @msameikanevaeh @yukiipc @magica-ren @r0ttenhearts @vvyeislazzy @yuumaofc @klanxii @darthvada @the-ghost-0f-t0m0 @yoyo-yui @deluluangel @katsumikumo @thenightsflower @lazy-sanns @sukunasrealgf @4thnocturne @danhenglovebot @sketcheeee @fumichannorakuen @featuredtofu @mine-lu @karma-gisa @amyena @onmywaytoteyvat @fujimoribaby @eliqusgenma @buubbbbly @reekapeeka @elernity @323jelly @kunikissr @miko1ly @feverish-dove @zuunotsane @pomeiu @yxcade @kascar-chronicle @supercoolusernameomg @otomegame-oneshots @cookieofwishes @swivy123 (bold usernames means i couldn't tag you :<) 1/2
#whats so good about him?!#scaramouche x you#scaramouche#genshin impact scaramouche#scaramouche x y/n#scaramouche smau#scaramouche x reader#genshin imapct#genshin impact scara#genshin scaramouche x reader#genshin scaramouche
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Now that I've had some time to sit with the epilogue story after a bit of going back and rereading it, I don't know if I should be excited for the future of these stories or not. I'm going to put my rant and contexts under a readmore because this is going to be me vomiting at a textbox and assuming someone else on the web will get it. But it's going to be a mix of thunder Junction and the epilogue.
When it comes to Magic the Gathering, I go back and forth with myself often about whether the story comes first or the cards come first. Some sets, Like (I will argue) Both Eldraine sets, Seem to have a lot more focus on their stories, and then make very flavorful cards based off of that. Other sets, like thunder junction, feel like the gimmick and cards were designed first, and then all of that had to be pasted into a story. While I get that it can be hard to make gameplay and story always line up, as you have to tow a line between a player always being confused, and a player feeling railroaded or obligated to stick to the story, Wizards never really has to deal with the stakes of "railroading too hard".Decks are always 100% customizable, you can't take that agency from a bunch of jerkasses at a table, so they have the ability to lean harder into their story than a lot of other games media does. The Writing decisions made by the stories team have the potential to completely adjust what cards get made if wotc was bold enough to follow through with actual adjustments to their world. But OTJ proves that that will never happen, and that any exciting consequence can be stepped back on in 2 stories for one card that will probably make a lot of bank, or to see a villain in a cool hat.
To be fair, Marchesa looks really cool as a cowpoke. her hat is very cool. But justifying going back on her fighting so hard for her kingdom just for a supposed villains set feels like a regression of her character, especially since she has almost always had someone else do her bidding. And a lot of the Villains seen in thunder junction didn't seem to be used or changed for the better, a lot of them felt like set pieces that could have been swapped out with anyone else in that story, and the results would have been similar. I can't think of any significant reason what it *Had* to be Tinybones, Breeches, or Eriette. The only characters that stand out to me as being irreplaceable in the main story are Oko (driving plot forward for Kellan), Geralf/ Gisa (Geralf patched one or two wounds, Gisa is a wild card that causes problems, but she is OH so Memorable I cannot imagine that train scene without her) and Annie Flash (Again, Kellans Concious/Catalyst to make sure the "right thing" for Kellan is done, and provides some context as to How and why Akul is dangerous.). And to be fair, I didn't mind that up until the final chapter. It was fun enough, not a world shaking MTG story but considering we're still at the beginning stages of seeing a world with Omenpaths (as players. This is set 3? 4?) And there's still a lot of questions to ask about creatures and planes (the Gisa and Geralf side story goes into this so well. I love those 2 they are ICONIC), It did its job OK and I wouldn't have had anything to write home about.
Until Jace.
I will admit, I'm not a huge fan of Jace, but it's mostly because he's boring. You know that once he's involved in plot the stakes are basically off, as regardless of how perilous the situation is, or how heinous of an action he performs, He's going to make it out with a few cuts/bruises/maybe a memory wipe and everything else will basically go back to a degree of status quo. It's not fun following a character who you know is going to be mostly fine and alive by sheer virtue of him being there. And I get its because over time he has become *the* mtg Mascot, but that's why I thought Phyrexia/March of the machines was interesting. It was finally a consequence for Jace that he couldn't fully shake himself out of, and his presumed death felt like the end of an Era and a potential for something new and interesting. You know, until he showed back up. And the story shows him getting out of what should have been certain death with a fever and another road trip back to Vryn. And I realized that I have been Punkd for the past few stories and of course nothing changes anymore its Jace Fucking Beleren and he's going to win again. And of course it's with Vraska again, If they make me go through the crime of having to listen to those two in an audiobook format again, at least this time I know not to order from drive through while listening to MTG story (so one of us has consequences, and it's not him). Being able to beat out glistening oil with a fever also felt cheap, but that may just be because I feel like there's better MTG characters that we lost due to the oil.The fact that we may never get them back feels like a kick to the shins.
However, I am also not totally doom and Gloom about Jace's reappearance in MTG story because we see a bit of the return of "Jerkass Jace". Contrary to my opinions about Jace, Jerkass Jace is a relic of a bygone Era and I Missed him so much, because he was unbearable! A total monster! An absolute pain to everyone around him! Unlikeable, Clever, and selfish! Cared about nobody! Jerkass Jace was so ethically bankrupt that I am going to be honest he may have the potential to turn this entire thing around. The BBEG MTG villains (Phyrexia, Eldrazi, the Dragon formerly known as Nicol Bolas), have been the predictable and therefore kind of dull villains for the longest time now. You can usually predict which one is next by the results of the previous ones fights. But Wizards could make Jace the big bad evil guy with Jerkass Jace! I think that would be incredibly refreshing. Get a new face in the Villains spotlight with a character who's powers have the potential for it (and as Annie mentioned, he is hiding something) and it could be really interesting! Jace has the motives! It could be a great way to bring intrigue to him! (And not the eldrazi. Or bolas using an omenpath and dipping off Ugins plane) Nobody will see it coming let him go NUTS!
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lithuanian names + portuguese names
Abere Abristão Adas Adeslo Adrosena Afona Agoria Agus Aida Albure Alburgas Alca Ales Alexe Alfonike Alfonto Alias Alius Almas Alvilio Amalda Amarals Amargosa Amasta Amons Ampanço Ampassa Amális Amérina Anda Andrede Ango Anta Antana Antanano Ante Anteu Antisena Apardo Aparose Arlso Armo Arnas Arro Asseu Asso Audo Auga Auge Auguerea Auré Austor Ayra Barris Berinha Berse Beto Bezeris Bita Bone Bonça Bravarde Bris Briustas Brole Bros Brudas Brássa Caldo Came Camigo Caminge Camireta Campaina Camparas Cara Cardas Cario Caris Carmílte Carrio Cartine Caryte Casiande Cele Cese Cibecres Cloys Cláudá Clódina Cois Coisla Coriseu Coso Crica Crio Crudras Cuna Cátis Célis Daira Daliano Dalvyda Daminco Dana Dandrio Dardim Deirei Deiro Dena Deno Dessa Dimortas Dinha Dinto Diontas Dirgas Donta Dulius Duteira Dàna Déboal Décina Edgas Edma Edso Egis Egídia Elgenita Elius Elzino Eria Ernabia Esdrenja Esmejana Esposme Estimena Esto Ezenta Fabia Fabraela Fabria Fabrósia Fagas Feberna Fera Feras Ferba Fira Flária Fone Fonsão Foro Gabróna Galdasta Galento Galtos Garo Gastas Gazarce Gedal Gedesto Gemilia Genas Geno Gidato Gielexe Gino Gisa Grama Gres Guelius Gues Guim Guiza Guálta Gyti Gytinara Hadas Heligo Henano Heno Henta Ifinas Ignitas Irislas Irmor Isaral Isia Jacha Jachei Jaciola Jacres Jadaria Jadréia Jari Jaymislo Jeferaça Jeras Jerdo Jerna Joano Jokades Judia Julca Julce Jurce Jurture Jácio Jéstêvão Júlispa Júliusta Júnija Kazute Kesso Kona Konas Kota Kottore Krio Laim Laria Larius Larrenja Laulio Lavaruno Leata Leira Lemina Leonria Lete Liano Lilávio Limornal Lineires Listália Lius Lobas Lobatas Lora Loute Luale Lucia Luciacó Lucianas Luilenis Luim Luro Lyragda Lúcino Macinhão Mada Magalho Magnid Mano Maraloé Marasta Marcijus Marda Mares Marigane Marinas Marne Maro Marosia Martoras Maruno Marães Marão Matal Matana Mato Maulano Mazeria Meda Meles Menco Mendrons Meno Mentona Meris Mice Migo Milenta Miliole Mino Miro Morde Mírtrígo Mônisca Nassagna Natana Nathia Nerbas Nijus Nomutino Nuna Olijus Olina Onda Onésio Ortia Osvas Paela Paido Palora Pano Pato Patra Paudas Pauliano Paulike Paus Paustar Pavína Pedido Pedo Pedor Peiracha Penas Pimon Pina Pire Pones Povaras Poves Praes Prina Queliped Quilia Quimeão Quira Rafina Raimvyda Raiocha Raixonte Rame Ramina Ramuno Rante Raptia Raptinha Rassior Reca Recreda Rega Remelo Resse Riga Rimona Rimondia Robo Roboa Rodo Rodricia Rollange Romião Ronda Rosta Ryte Sabelato Salda Salenia Saleno Sana Sanas Santina Saulce Saurna Saus Seco Serasca Seveira Sibereta Siga Silava Sildia Silipe Sima Simo Skolinho Sofilia Sofintas Sofiro Solas Solo Soures Soval Suesemí Suziro Sylenor Sylvo Tacio Tate Teona Teop Tera Teveseu Tite Titóriel Toldo Tomilva Toro Tradeixo Trano Trico Trionte Tylveira Tálico Ugniel Urine Vailso Vaios Vaisla Valoys Vana Vanoel Vante Vazio Veia Veirejus Vele Viano Vidalbel Vides Vidone Vila Vilho Vilis Vilviana Vira Vite Vito Vitão Viveiro Vlauz Vyta Xândeira Zemis Zenika Érija Ória Órigus Órina
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Im currently re reading the red queen series and a big problem I kinda have is the lack of development on Cameron, like yeah we do know what's she's passionate about and what's she's against, but not really much after that, I wish we could have a more In deep viewing of her relationship with kilorn, wich is pretty much out of the blue and not given much of an importance even though both of them are parts of the main cast. She also seems to grow pretty close to both farley and gisa,even though kings cage is a dual pov with her and mare (her being the first other pov we read) I think it was a waste of potential, the only Thing she really does in the whole book is talk about mare and cal and how she wants her brother back.
For what I've seen most of the fandom doesn't even like her as she's seen as rude, many dislike her hatred or pettiness against mare (wich I believed is perfectly justified by all mare did to her, but that's another rant) so I wished Victoria went deeper on all this topics ( especially her romantic relationship with kirlon because I thinks they're a cute couple but we only get that one scene on the last book when kirlon is about to die lol)
If the talks about the tv series goes through I wish they make some changes on her story and develop her a bit more.
(This is kinda really messy because I wrote this on class and English is not my first languaje so I'm sorry about the weird wording lol)
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Bit of a random question, but do you think Mare is attractive? Based on the tidbits of her description spread across the whole series. Cause I lowkey think Mare is pretty, since Evangeline noted that Sneering Gisa looks like Mare.
But also, I'm still upset that Aveyard replied to an ask that Mare is very plain-looking 😥 (and this was years ago 🥲, just after Red Queen was relesed). I hope that she changed her mind at some point, cause I don't believe that 3 dudes had a crush on her just because of her personality and resilience (though this are the main reasons why I love her BUT COME ON 😤).
I apologies in advance for my mini rant, I just can't accept that my angry baby is plain-looking 🤧🤧🤧!!!
I feel like Annie's answered this, but I'm gonna give my take too!!
So I completely agree with you nonnie. Like how is it possible that this girl who claims to be so "plain" (🤢) has not only the guy she's been best friends with her whole life... but also two other men who have really only seen women literally BRED to be beautiful, chasing her around like lovesick puppies? And my answer is this: she's a different kind of beautiful, a different kind of attractive. She's not what some would consider societally "feminine attractive". She's rougher on the edges, a sort of harsher beauty, more rugged if you will. Evangeline mentions it in War Storm that Cal must have a thing for "rougher" beauty or "rougher" girls. And she's not wrong. So I agree with her that Mare is not the conventionally attractive, but she is certainly attractive. She is like a mountain covered in mist as dawn breaks: breathtaking of course, but a powerful type of beauty that can be off putting to some.
And that's my take on that :)
#(*ask lily*)#(*shut up lily*)#mare barrow#I fell into the trap of assuming Mare was plain looking cause VA told us she was#but now i know better#she's stunning#in her own special way#red queen#glass sword#kings cage#war storm#broken throne#post broken throne
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god do you know how fucking chaotic it would be if Kilorn lived in a world where he could make his own youtube channel/ Vine/Tik Toks
#basil rants#kilorn brings sexy back#kilorn warren#he would get the barrow bros in on his videos#mare would let him tape her zapping one of her annoying brothers once#he wouldnt dare try to get gisa in on it bc he learned his lesson after the first time he taped her without permission#obv cal is in some videos#mostly the ones where kil and him are being grossly adorable together#like the shawn mendes and camila cabello video? that would be them for the laughs#and there would be videos where trammy’s taping kilorn hiding behind something to scare cal#but kilorn giggles the whole time and cal obviously knows whats going on#so he surprises kilorn instead and they both giggle as cal takes him in his arms and showers him with little kisses#and of course#saving the best for last#there is one single video#the most popular one on kilorns channel#of the one and only farley#where kilorn says something dumb like ‘hey farley do something funny in front of the camera for my viewers’#and farley just fcking smacks the phone out of kilorns hands and it falls on the floor#and everyone else dies of laughter while farley wears a smirk on her face and kilorn just looks down defeated#red queen#victoria aveyard#calorn
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIOTA NAGISA
Thank you, Nagisa, for showing me that being kind and gentle doesn’t mean that you’re weak and also that the parts about you that you hate can be turned into your greatest weapon. You have been a role model for me for the past four years and I strive to be as wise and caring as you. Keep doing what you’re doing, you adorable little assassin, we’re all so very proud of you. 😍😊
Yes, I know that Nagisa’s birthday is during Summer break but shhhhh
(25 unread messages)
Akabane Karma: Hey there Nagi :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLUEBERRY! I can’t believe you are officially older than me. But don’t get your hopes up, just because you’re my elder, doesn’t mean that I will start listening to you. Just to show you how awesome I am, I decided to stay up late so that I can text you exactly at 00:00. But for real, I hope you have an awesome day and I promise to beat up anyone that ruins it for you ;) Nagisa, you are honestly the most amazing person I’ve ever met and you’re seriously like such a sweet and kind and honest and good person and I have no idea how someone as nice and forgiving as you ended up befriending someone as crazy and violent as me. You’re the only person who's never been scared of me and even though you hate violence you still stood by me and never tried to change me and you liked me for me. No one’s ever liked me without expecting me to change and I’ve never felt as comfortable being myself with someone as I have with you. Can’t wait to see you at school today - I got you a present. No I won’t tell you what it is and yes, you’ll definitely love it. See you soon.
Sugino Tomohito: Happy Birthday Nagisa! Hope that you have fun today! I just want to tell you that you are the best best friend that I could ever ask for and I am truly grateful for everything that you have done for me. When I first got kicked down to 3-E and was forced to leave the baseball club, I thought that it was all over but you came along and was the first person to actually sit down and listen to me and you offered to practice baseball with me and honestly, that really made my day. Dude, you are like this amazing blue ball of kindness and like seriously you are brilliant but you don’t nearly give yourself enough credit. I don’t know where you get your low self esteem from or what it is that makes you think that you are worth so little but I promise to remind you that you are cared for every single day until your next birthday and for the rest of your life. Okay, that probably sounded super weird but it’s early and my brain is like 60% baseball memes at this point. At first I hated losing my baseball friends and getting sent to this abandoned building on top of a death mountain but meeting you has made me realise that our crazy assassination classroom™ is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. From the day I’ve met you, you’ve been nothing but loyal and caring. You are the person I can talk and rant to and you’ll never judge me and you always know how to make you smile. And honestly, you are worth 1000 baseball teams. Don’t let your mother get you down. See you in class! Oh, BTW, my little brother says Hi.
Kayano Kaede: HIIIIII NAGISA! HOPE YOU HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! I got you a gift and I hope you like it and no it’s not pudding but you will be getting some cake from that cafe we visited over the weekend. It’s not easy being the new girl and ever since I’ve joined the class, you’ve been nothing but an awesome best friend and you have always been by my side since the day we decided to have matching hairstyles (which might I say looks so much better on you than it does on me - UNFAIR!) I hope the rest of the year is filled with pudding and happiness and sweets and smiles and everything else you love
Nakamura Rio: Happy birthday to our resident blueberry cinnamon roll! Have a wonderful day ‘Gisa. I’m sure you will when you see what I have in store for you ;). You are seriously the most mature, innocent, pure little bean I have ever met - and definitely the most fun person to play pranks on! Dont worry, as the birthday boy, you shall spend 24 hours completely prank free. Yes, yes I know, I’m the best classmate ever. Dont need to tell me something I already know, sweetie. See you later, my fellow English lover!
Maehara Hiroto: Yo, dude, Happy Birthday! Hope you have fun and enjoy what we’ve got in store for you (no hints!). Like seriously you are legit the most awesome person ever cause you’re so sweet and innocent and can turn into this super awesome secret badass whenever you want to. Youre like the class therapist/medic/person we can always rely on and you never complain when we drive you crazy (cause I know that we do). I’m super proud of you man. Never change Nagisa. See you at school. (BTW - We still up for karaoke next week?)
Isogai Yuuma: Happy birthday Nagisa! Hope you have a wonderful day! I can’t wait to see you in class later. When my siblings found out that it was your birthday, they insisted that they make you a card.You are an irreplaceable member of our class and I’m so happy that you are part of it. Seriously, if it wasn’t for you and your ability to calm people down and talk people out of doing whatever crazy idea they came up with, I’m pretty sure I would’ve lost my mind. You’re always smiling and always participate in class without complaining and you always see the best in everyone. Keep on doing what you do Nagisa, the world could use more people like you. ( Oh and come to the cafe later, I got an iced bun on the house for you)
Fuwa Yuzuki: AAAAAHHHHH HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAGISA! CONGRATULATIONS ON SUCCESSFULLY SURVIVING THIS LONG ON EARTH! OOHH IM SUPER EXCITED FOR YOU TO SEE WHAT I’VE GOT YOU! Thank you for always going along with and listening to my crazy anime/manga rants even when you have no idea whats going on. It’s so much fun hanging out with you cause youre chill and youre always up for anything and apart from Takabayshi you’re the person in the class that get my references the most. Youre an amazing main protagonist and you deserve all of the screentime and lines you get - heck even your own spin-off show. For someone who loves heroes so much, youre doing an amazing job of being one yourself. Youre the best Watson a Sherlock like me could ever ask for and a really good friend for this manga obsessed Otaku! Love you and see you later!
Kataoka Megu: Happy Birthday Nagisa. I hope that you enjoy the rest of the day. As someone whose job is to watch over our … interesting class, having you around makes everyone else bearable. I’m sure that if you aren’t here to keep the peace I would’ve murdered Okajima months ago. You have always been really respectful and kind and I appreciate having someone as hard-working and loyal as you in my class. I always enjoy having our talks about equal rights and you have always been like a little brother to me (honestly, I prefer you over my actual older brother). See you later and please continue to stay the way you are.
Okano Hinata: Hey there Nagisa. Happy Birthday! How’s it going, little dude! Hope you enjoy yourself and have lots of fun today. Thank you for being one of the only boys that I can actually stand. You are such an amazing person to have in the class and you���re amazing at being someone that we can all come to when we’re upset. Plus you let us brush your amazing godly hair (seriously I’m jealous at how nice it is). If any main campus kids try to ruin this special day - come to me and I’ll sort them right out :)
Kurahashi Hinano: HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAGISA! I HOPE YOU HAVE LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF FUN TODAY AND EVERY SINGLE DAY OF YOUR LIFE! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU SO THAT I CAN GIVE YOU YOUR PRESENT IN PERSON AND THE BIGGEST BIRTHDAY HUG EVER! YOU ARE AN AMAZING PERSON AND I (AND EVERYONE ELSE) LOVE YOU SOO MUCH OKAY I HAVE TO GO NOW BUT BYEEEE
Kimura Masayoshi: Hey Nagisa! Happy Birthday! Can’t wait to see you at school!
Mimura Kouki: Happy Birthday Nagisa :) wish you the best :)
Yada Touka: Happy Birthday Nagisa! I hope you have a fun-filled day! You are a really sweet and nice person and I enjoy hanging around with you - especially when you join us girls on our girl trips to the mall. You’re like a little brother to me and I always feel comfortable when I’m with you. Love you and hope you have a nice day <3
Takabayashi Koutarou: Happy Birthday Nagisa. I hope that you enjoy yourself.
Hayami Rinka: Happy Birthday Nagisa
Okajima Taiga: Happy Birthday Nagisa. You are such an incredible person to have in the class. And thank you for always saving me from the girls when they get mad at me. Hope you have fun. I was going to give you some really cool magazines but when the girls figured it out they slapped me and said that they’d tie me up in the middle of the mountain and leave me there if I did so I’m just gonna give you something else that I made (with Sugaya’s help). I’ll show you it at school - I hope you like it.
Kanzaki Yukiko: Happy Birthday Nagisa. I hope you have a nice day and thank you for being such a good and reliable friend. See you at school.
Yoshida Taisei: Happy Birthday Nagisa! I’m so sorry for the grenade incident earlier and I am so happy Koro-Sensei saved you. Also like you are one tough guy, you know that right? Cause what happened with Takaoka, man you couldve beaten any of us up with your eyes closed any time. Stay awesome dude. See you at the mountain
Hara Sumire: Happy Birthday Nagisa. I’ve made some sushi just for you. I hope you like it. As your official unofficial mother, I hope you have fun today and I can’t wait to see you later.
Sugaya Sosuke: Happy Birthday Nagisa. Thank you for being around and seeing the good in all of us even when we don’t see it ourselves. You always know how to inspire us and you are going to be an awesome grown up when you’re older. You always appreciate everyone and you know exactly how to pick us up when we’re down. I hope you like your present (you’ll get it later)
Okuda Manami: Happy Birthday Nagisa! I hope you have a wonderful day today. I just want to say thank you for being my friend and always encouraging me and helping me. You always know how to cheer me up and include me. See you at school.
Chiba Ryuunosuke: Happy Birthday Nagisa
Hazama Kirara: Happy Birthday fellow literature lover. I really enjoy talking about gothic literature with you - your analysis of themes and context is always very insightful and interesting and I enjoy spending time with you. If you ever need to escape, you can always come to me. PS - my offer to curse your mother is still up.
Muramatsu Takuya: Happy Birthday Nagisa. Hope you have fun. I made you some ramen (don’t worry its not my dad’s recipe so you’ll be good)
Terasaka Ryouma: Sup Shiota, Happy Birthday. I just want to say that I’m really sorry for being an a**hole and treating you like a jerk - especially forcing you to wear that grenade at the beginning of the year. You’re really good at assassination and you’ve got some serious moves. I dont really know what to say but you can always hang out with my gang whenever you want.
#assassination classroom#shiota nagisa#nagisa shiota#baby blueberry snake boi#akabane karma#sugino tomohito#kayano kaede#nakamura rio#maehara hiroto#isogai yuuma#fuwa yuzuki#kataoka megu#okano hinata#yada touka#kurahashi hinano#kimura masayoshi#mimura kouki#hayami rinka#hazama kirara#chiba ryuunosuke#terasaka ryouma#muramatsu takuya#okuda manami#takabayashi koutarou#hara sumire#3-e
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Queenstrial -Chapter 4
Masterlist
warnings: language
semi-modern AU
Summary: Mare Barrow’s only wish is for true freedom. But all that’s taken away from her when a gods damned letter shows up on her doorstep. Gone is the hope for a life of happiness. Instead, she’s been chosen to enter the 50th Queenstrial competition to win Prince Tiberias the VII’s hand in marriage. But not only is the Prince she’s expected to win, not a stranger at all, but rather her previous one night stand, but now she’s competing against 20 other cutthroat women for his love and affections she’s not even sure she wants.
...
I’m awakened by a shake to my shoulder.
“Mare!” someone scolds me. I think it’s Walsh. With my eyes still shut all I see is darkness.
“Mare Barrow if you don’t get up right this minute, I will drag you. Don’t think I won’t”. Definitely Walsh.
Squinting open my eyes, I’m met with an influx of bright sunlight streaming in from my windows with the curtains already thrown back.
“Alright, now get up”, she scolds.
This version of waking up in the morning is so at odds with Gisa’s light teasing. Although my heart drops at the thought. It’s been a full 24 hours since I’ve seen her. And the rest of my family. My phone is currently locked up in some part of the palace where it’s currently being examined for whatever terrorist material they’re looking for. I won’t be allowed to contact my Gisa, Kilorn, or my parents until they deem it safe and hand it back to me. Which means, no contact with them for the foreseeable future.
Pushing that thought away, I stifle a yawn and look down at myself. Still in my stupid dress. I take a glance at Walsh who’s already busying herself looking through my wardrobe.
I sink down for a moment longer savoring the feel of the silky sheets, hating the fact that I had the best sleep of my life last night.
Not that I forget the events that led to it.
That brings a scowl to my face. Stupid ass prince.
But before I brave myself against Walsh’s rage, I force myself to climb out of the comforter and find myself stepping into a pair of fluffy white slippers already placed at the foot of the bed. They sure know how to treat people like royalty here.
I walk into the bathroom still reeling from the thought that I have access to my own. Sharing one with 3 other people was never fun.
Never mind the fact that this one happens to be the size of my old room with Gisa. Although that makes me this whole place even more infuriating. How many people get to live in luxury while masses of people suffer beneath them.
Even so, I can’t help the fact that I need a shower. The deep sleep I had still doesn’t do anything for my weariness or the dirtiness of my clothes.
Twisting the knob of the shower on to mildly warm, I strip, leaving my clothes on the floor and walk right in. The water washes down my back and I sigh in contentment. At least this feels like home. Even if we barely had enough hot water for all of us, the feeling of a clean wash was still something I could never get enough of.
But Cal’s words still ring in my head as I try to wash them off. ‘And do you often take strangers to bed in shabby clubs?’
Son of a Bitch! I almost want to yell those words out. Because it describes him perfectly. For even suggesting the fact that my actions last night weren’t the same as his own. What happened between us was as much of his decision as it was mine. And he’s an idiot for not realizing that.
Once I finish fuming careful not to release any sparks that would leave static in my anger, I find a fluffy robe waiting for me on a shelf. Grabbing it, I let myself revel in the comfort of it against my raw skin. How silvers can live like this and still want more is beyond me.
Drying myself off and wandering back into my room, Walsh is sitting at my desk which doubles as a vanity, blow-dryer in hand.
“Good morning” she chirps, now in a more pleasant mood. “Nice to see you finally awake”.
“Finally? I can’t be past 7 in the morning”, I say exasperatedly.
“Actually, it’s 8. And you’re about to be late for breakfast unless you sit your ass down here and let me get you ready”, she commands.
It’s 8? Not even a day in Queenstrial and I’ve already lost a semblance of normalcy. I always got up at 7.
But I do as she says, like any sane person with a brain to avoid more of her scolding.
She dries my hair for me in quiet with the droning of the device filling up the room. I take this time to sink into oblivion; not thinking about anything. It’s almost comforting to let go of all of my consuming thoughts and just to let go.
Walsh soon finishes and gives my hair a blown-out look filled with volume. But I can’t help a groan when she tells me that it’s mandatory to wear dresses. It’s not that I don’t like looking feminine or appreciate the way that they look, but they’re just so damn uncomfortable sometimes.
She lets me rant for a while before forcing me to choose between 2 different ones. One, a longer length dress that would definitely clash with my skin tone because of the fact that it’s a sun kissed orange color, and a shorter length one in a gorgeous royal blue color, albeit looser than the one I wore last night.
I select the blue one because I do prefer to wear short dresses, more for mobility than anything else. Even being in a castle, being a thief for so many years trains me to still think like one.
Once I take my robe off and dress, I sit back into my chair where Walsh gets ready to apply my makeup.
“Not too heavy please” I request. Makeup has always made me feel like I have a heavy layer of mud on my face.
She just rolls her eyes and nods.
OH SHIT! I watch as she narrows her gaze at those purple bruises that I forgot to cover. Oh my gods. That stupid ass of a prince. Because it’s easier to blame him, than anything.
Thank the gods above she doesn’t make any comment about it as I school my face to indifference and pretend that nothing’s wrong.
Wordlessly she brushes concealer, although a lighter layer that I would have applied, followed by powder to set it.
She finishes and arranges the front pieces of my hair in a better shape to frame my face. But once she reaches to take out the studs currently sitting in my ear, attempting to replace them I have to stop her.
“Just- Can we leave them?” They’re the only piece of home I have left.
“Of course,” she nods. Removing her hands away from them and onto a set of silver rings and bracelets instead.
Surprisingly gentle, she puts them on my fingers and wrist, before grabbing me a pair of chunky black, yet still a reasonable height of 3 inches heels.
We chuckle together as I almost trip in them over the carpet.
“Coming?” I ask, face still pink and holding onto the door to the hallway for her.
“Nope, me and the other maids have things to do. By the way, ability training is after breakfast so you won’t be in that outfit for long”, she informs me.
Ability training. How could I forget. And I have to see his face again.
My hand tightens on the doorknob and I say my goodbyes as I make my way out. At least I’ll have some way to let out some steam.
Outside of the hallway I spy Nina. Thank god!
I quickly rush up to her, because even if I don’t want to admit it, she reminds me of Kilorn or Gisa. Someone genuinely nice and caring.
Once she sees me scoot up to her side, she gives a warm smile. “Mare! I was going to talk to you last night but I didn’t see where you went!”
She looks absolutely stunning in her soft pink gown that matches her tan skin. The perfect image of a spring time flower.
Again, next to her I look like trash.
Cal’s voice pops into my head again at that thought. ‘Well at least I’m not in the habit of having hook-ups knowing that I’m supposed to be committing to a relationship the next day.’
I fist my hands again where I know my knuckles are already white. Fuck him and his stupid face.
“Mare? You okay?” Nina questions from beside me.
“Oh, yeah. It’s nothing” I shrug. If only she knew.
Our walk to breakfast is lively and consists of more “getting to know each other” questions. She asks me how old I am to which I answer 17. It seems Nina is, of course the same age as me.
I learn more about her family and their life in Harbor Bay. She tells me about her days and nights spent out on the beach basking in the sun, which explains the glow that never seems to leave her face.
Once we walk down the stairs and down into the dining room my stomach lurches. I can’t face him. One look and I might just shoot a spark of electricity straight at his face. But, then again knowing my lack of control with my ability I might just end up shocking everyone in the damn room.
Nina and I take seats next to each other at the middle of the table, the seats near the Prince himself already taken up by firstcomers. I take a chance to spy at the other girls and almost want to laugh overhearing words like “Oh, but will he like my dress?” and “He’s just so handsome”.
Conversation halts however, when the two Princes walk in. One of them brings a smile to my face when he gives me a large grin, and the other makes me clench my jaw and fist the skirts of my dress. It’s obvious who exactly garners each reaction from me.
“Good morning everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful sleep last night, and in turn a delightful breakfast this morning. Eat up before we have training later” Cal starts before finding his seat.
Maven gives me a wave and this time, finding his spot at the head of the table next to his brother. I notice that the King and Queen are noticeably missing. But then again, all the better. Elara still gives me the goosebumps with those eyes of hers.
I mistakenly watch Cal as he focuses on me and starts to open his mouth to say something. His eyes almost shine with desperation if I didn’t know any better. Too bad I don’t want to hear it. He said what he said and what’s done is done.
Turning my head away from him and Maven I focus back onto Nina who happens to be staring at the Prince.
“Do you think he’s ever been in love before?” she asks me with glossed over eyes.
“Who?”
“Prince Tiberias of course” she gushes. “But then again he wants us to call him Cal. He told me last night”.
I try my hardest to hold back my scoff. “No. I don’t think he has.”
“Why not?”
“He just… Doesn’t seem like the type”, is my best answer to her. What I would rather say is, ‘because he’s a misogynistic ass so no one in their right mind would ever be with him’.
“Hmm. He just seems so dreamy”, she continues.
“Anyways, are you ready for training today?” I interrupt before she can say more. I really do not feel like talking about him.
She cuts into the eggs benedict on her plate as food is delivered to us. “Oh yeah, I guess. I’ve practiced a little bit leading up to Queenstrial”.
“I suppose it’ll be an interesting way to spend our time today” I let out.
Breakfast continues on uneventfully with Nina continuing to talk about how the Prince is ‘oh so handsome’ and unfortunately those thoughts are reciprocated everywhere else throughout the table.
Taking an escape from boredom after finishing my raspberry pastry, I risk a glance towards the head of the table yet again. Curiosity always gets the best of me.
I spy Evangeline, Sonya, and Elane again who happen to make up the trio of intimidation to every girl here, evident by the way they huddle in a smaller group and give looks of steel to anyone who dares even look at them. They take up the spots closest to the princes.
And the princes. I watch as they eat together and share laughs ever in conversation with each other. They occasionally take bites of their own meals and I almost forget my anger as I watch Cal’s expression loosen and don a real smile. It’s almost charming.
But all that changes again when he looks up after using his fork to stab a strawberry on his plate and he catches me staring at him.
Fuck.
For a good 5 seconds, his bite of food stands a millimeter from his lips as we continue our staring fest. It’s almost as if a line of electricity lines up both of our eyes to the other and it’s an unending bond.
But then his mouth starts to form words. And it’s that that I want so desperately to turn away from. There’s no use in attempting to care. Because I don’t. I don’t. So why can’t I look away?
With all my willpower I manage to rip my attention from him and his mouth of all things and turn back to my cup of tea currently sitting in front of me. I lift it to my own mouth and take a good long sip. The soothing flavor of the green tea coupled with milk soothes me to my core which garners a long sigh from me.
I risk a glance over again, because, well there isn’t any reason. But he’s already back into conversation with Maven, not even distracted. I don’t know why but it leaves me almost disappointed.
…
20 minutes later and suddenly we’re outside of a locker room of sorts. Standing dead still in the midst of the pack, I watch a stubbier short man announce himself as Commander Arven. Of course, he’s a silencer.
He explains to us that inside we’ll find training uniforms and to get dressed and meet him outside in 5 minutes flat. No exceptions.
And of course, once he leaves and we walk inside the surprisingly pristine room, girls start to spit off into groups to dress. Which leaves me, Nina, and another newblood named Ava who’s a gravtiron.
Ava silently hands me and Nina uniforms which happen to be a pair of black running shorts and a matching sports bra.
Thankfully their long enough to cover those still fading bruises on my upper thighs which I attempt to hide by facing a wall when I change. I can only imagine the questions that would arise if the girls saw them.
We quickly change wasting no time on conversation and partly because of nerves. This is the first time I’ve ever had to train my own abilities. Sure, I’ve done workouts for my body, but I have little experience in controlling my lightning. And I’m sure every other girl who isn’t a high-born silver feels the same. Which is why the rest of the girls in the locker room remainder silent with only the slap of our removed clothing hitting the floor as well as the clack of heels.
Fingers shaking, I tie the shoelaces of the shiny new white running shoes given to every girl. How they know our shoe size is beyond me. And what a waste for them to be white. They’ll only be dirty and scuffed up sooner. But then again, I guess people here don’t care. These items are always replaceable to them.
It isn’t until we walk outside and towards the empty turf field complete with a track that we ease back into conversation.
“So, are you guys nervous?” Nina asks.
“Oh my gods yes! I’ve never done anything like this!” Ava quickly gasps out, tying her brunette hair into a low ponytail. Sleek and elegant.
I’m almost amazed at her confession. She’s comfortable sharing out her vulnerabilities. I’ve only ever been taught to hide them.
My hair now tied up myself, I comment “Hopefully the prince isn’t there”
“Really? I hope he is! Maybe if I trip, he’ll carry me back to the castle” Ava muses.
I want to tell her that it’s all an act. That he acts prim and proper but on the inside he’s an egotistical bastard who only cares about himself. But of course, I don’t. Instead I listen to the two of them continue to talk about their worries about what’s yet to come. And I can’t say I disagree with their points. I’m scared out of my mind. And still the only thing that lingers in my mind is the fact that I’m wondering if he’s going to be there.
Sooner than I expect we arrive right onto the edge of the track where Commander Arven waits for us tapping his left foot onto the floor in a sign of impatience.
“Ladies, you’re late!” he yells out to all of us currently taking our last sips of water where a gallon of it waits for us. “If one of you is going to be Queen one day, I expect timely behavior!”
Good thing it won’t be me then. Back at home I’m notorious for being late to practically everything. It’s a habit I can’t help.
Then of course, with my shit luck he appears. Clad in his own training uniform of loose red workout shorts and a black t-shirt to match. He looks almost like one of the countless men at the makeshift gym in the stilts I used to frequent. But by the way he holds himself proudly, and the unnaturally god-like muscles in his arms that strain against the fine cotton of his shirt, he would stick out in a crowd.
And it isn’t until I notice that I’m not the only one gaping at him that I turn around facing a nearby tree with my face flushing red. I should not be thinking about him. He shouldn’t even cross my mind.
“Alright everyone, give me two laps!” Commander Arven yells at all of us.
Running. Gods, yes. I’ve been waiting for this moment. In the Stilts running was my only solace. The only way for me to clear my head. And after the night I’ve had it’s a much-needed welcome.
I watch everyone else start off the rust colored track and start at a light jog and I’m eager to join them. As soon as my legs start pumping, I almost want to cry. I’ve missed this. The feeling of freedom and life that comes with running against the wind is somehow comforting. A sense of normalcy in an escalating inferno of chaos.
But soon I tire of the slower pace that everyone seems to follow and I’m desperate to go faster.
Nina breathes long and deep beside me, and I give her a small smile before running past her to the front of the crowd where I can hopefully exert myself a little more. Pushing past a few throngs of people, I cast a smirk when I pass Evangeline because strangely enough, it feels good to beat her at something. Even if it’s a task as simple as running.
I quickly manage to speed my way to the front and gods damn me I can’t even begin to understand why I didn’t think Cal would be there too.
He jogs along at the set pace behind me, and at this point we’ve already covered a lap. Only one more to go.
I risk a glance at him and almost want to play another game. This time I pick up the pace and speed up faster than the rest of the crowd albeit not only in an attempt to submit to my itch to go faster.
I don’t bother looking back as I speed at least 50 meters ahead to know that he’s following me. For some reason I can’t stop myself. Even if he’s an ass, there’s something genuinely delightful in taunting him.
Not even 5 seconds later and I hear the heavy thud of footsteps pounding behind me. And then he appears right next to me.
“Trying to get rid of me Barrow?”
I just roll my eyes. Like I didn’t expect this. Like I didn’t want this.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to do better than that”.
“Don’t be a little bitch. You know nothing about me and what I want”, I retort.
“Look, if this is about last night, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean what I said. I know what you’re thinking but it’s not that”, he says through deep breaths.
“Yeah, you’re right, you should be sorry. Because you’re an ass. You said what you said and don’t pretend that that’s not what you meant. You know damn well what you were implying”.
And then I run off. Faster so that he won’t catch up.
But of course, he does.
“Mare, you know I didn’t. I don’t know what I was thinking and I wasn’t trying to make it come out that way”, he says in between light pants now that we’re running at a harder pace.
I just ignore him. No need for him to explain. And then, he takes his shirt off.
I can’t control myself and I take a look. My first glimpse of his actual body since our first encounter. Casting a glance behind me I see that we’ve well passed everyone else now and we’re down the last half stretch of our lap.
The way I stare is almost off putting because no one has ever drawn my attention faster. The hard lines of his abdomen haunt me as I remember running taunting fingers over them as well as his broad chest and the feeling of him hovering over me. I shake my head. Dumbass. Don’t think about that.
But I fail in that task as I spot a purple bruise in the space where his neck meets his collarbone. Mine. I almost want to scream to tell him to put his shirt back on so no one can see the damning evidence but I refrain. Let’s see him squirm his way out of that one.
With a smirk donning my face and only 100 meters left to go I burst into a sprint desperate to beat him. Away from him and that body of his and the thoughts of our actions that I still can’t get out of my head.
Although fate must truly be against me because he once again manages to gain speed to match me.
“Can you just listen!” he almost yells now.
“No”
I try to finish off the last 50 meters ahead of him but god damn me he pushes himself farther. Just as I’m 3 feet away from the finish line, he pulls ahead.
And the son of a bitch beats me. He actually beats me.
That thought is more enraging than I care to admit. Pompous bastard.
I pass the line that marks one lap and immediately put my hands on my knees, crouching over to regain my breath.
But Cal still stands in front of me, to the side where he fills a disposable cup with water.
Once I recover from the shift in activity I watch as the rest of the girls finish their own runs. And I don’t fail to notice how more than a few of them glower at me with anything but friendly expressions.
I would feel threatened but their anger and frustration stems from a completely false fact. I have no intention of gaining the attention or favor of Crown Prince Tiberias the 7th.
And just as the thought passes my mind, he appears right beside me and holds out a cup of water sporting his own wild grin and sweat slicked hair. And still shirtless.
“Take it”.
“No thanks,” I reply. Leave him gaping. He deserves it.
I don’t look back to see his expression even if every part of me is begging to do so. Instead, I walk to the water station to pour myself my own serving of water. And of course, Atara Viper, the animos that Maven pointed out to me yesterday, happens to be standing there herself.
I silently beg for her not to say anything to me. If she does, it’ll just be more insults.
But I know it’s a lost cause when I watch as the sides of her mouth open. “Just so you know” she starts, “Whatever you’re doing, it’s not going to work. He would never pick some commoner red. You’re just a little whore.”
And then she walks off. Bitch. Of course, to her all reds are the same, newbloods or not. Of course, she slandered me. I don’t try to hide my scowl as I fill my drink contemplating all the ways I can think of to electrocute her.
That drives a delightful image of me accidentally claiming a shot meant for a lightbulb that was intentionally aimed at her instead. I must be looking like a psychopath with a dark smile as Nina and Ava spot me catch my attention with a wave. They make their way over from the other girls who are currently stretching, arm in arm with flushed faces to match.
“Wow. I haven’t done that in a long while”, Ava lets out.
“Same! But honestly, it wasn’t that bad. But Mare! You and the prince had something there”, Nina winks at me.
I just shake my head and excuse myself from responding by taking another chug of water.
“I know right! I mean, did you see when he took his shirt off? I wish I got a closer look, but Evangeline’s hogging him”, Ava adds on with a frown.
At the mention of that, I look to see that what Ava mentioned is in fact, true. Cal stands off to the side away from most of the others with Evangeline of all people. It frustrates me more than I can admit when I see her obviously running her eyes down his naked upper torso like she’s devouring him with her eyes.
But thankfully Commander Arven cuts in before I can dwell more on my emotions.
“Alright everyone, not bad! But that was the easy part. Now we’re onto target practice”.
He orders us to follow him to another sector of the large outdoor area. This time everyone remains quiet through our trudge towards the side of the field where a line of targets has been set up. Although I do spy out of the corner of my eyesight, Cal is still walking with Evangeline near the front of the group. Not that it means anything to me.
…
“Fuck!” I gasp out as I miss the target once again. It’s my fifth try already and the closest I’ve gotten to hitting the bull’s eye is the skim of a bolt of lightning on the outermost ring. It’s not unexpected seeing as I have next to no practice with this skill at all. The most I’ve ever used my ability is illegally lighting a lamp for my family when our lec papers ran out one winter. This exercise is frustrating to say the least.
It also doesn’t help that by some miracle Cal is situated right next to me and is hitting dead center Every. Single. Damn. Time. How someone can be so infuriating, is impossible to me. I don’t even bother acknowledging him although I know he’s watching me. His target is basically burned through by now with the sharp focus of fire blasting at the same point.
His perfection is the action that drives me to try one last time. Concentrating, I try to focus all of my energy into my hand and will it to drive out an accurate, sharp bolt of purple lightning. Oh my god it’s working. I can feel the buildup of intensity in my fingertips and I raise my arm up to direct towards the target. This is it. And I let go.
And fucking hell. It goes flying a millimeter off the edge of the target and onto the grass field past it. The purple flare flashes with a crack until all that’s left is a black spot of burned ground.
“Not bad”, says a voice beside me. And I already know who it belongs to.
“I didn’t ask for your opinion” I say sharply, still facing my failure. Everyone else seems to at least have hit the third outer ring themselves, and it makes me feel vulnerable in a way I’ve never felt before.
But no one seems to be looking in our direction as Cal walks away from his own target and towards mine.
“Here. You’re only not hitting it because of your stance” he says, standing behind me.
I can feel the closeness of his body by the comforting smell of ash and smoke. And even more than my lack of ability to control my lightning, I hate the way my body reacts when I lean backwards into him. ‘I hate him’ becomes the mantra in my head.
“This” he starts putting a hand on my torso to straighten it, “is how you have to stand”.
I warily watch to make sure that no one else is currently looking our way, thankful for an especially large tree hiding us from view.
“You have to use your legs to keep yourself stable and make sure that you’re as controlled as your sparks.”
“I haven’t forgiven you yet, you bastard” I hiss, trying to keep a semblance of calm.
He stills for a moment. “You know what that I didn’t mean it that way. You know.”
Liar. I know that he’s lying. But it’s the only thing that’s keeping me from caving to his touch and from giving in completely.
But all Cal does is continue to position me with his own arms, his breath desperately close to my neck. One of his arms rests on my stomach to straighten me, while the other positions my arm.
“Now, let it fly” he says in what I can tell is a smirk.
And just because I know that this is going to help me, I do what he says. Forcing all of my concentration into my lightning again, I feel it on the edge of my palm. My stance actually does help this time as it steadies me.
I release the purple bolt through me and directly onto the target. And it hits the bull’s eye.
“Yes!” I yell out. Detaching myself from Cal’s grip I risk a jump in elation. Yes. I finally did it. The sense of completion warms me as I proudly glare at the black circular marker on the target.
Cal just chuckles at me and tells me, “Congrats Mare, you did everything right”. Then he turns around and casually as if it was as easy as lifting a hand, fires his own shot again onto the center for what has to be the 50th time.
“Show off” I mutter.
This time he shakes his head slightly and tries to hide a laugh before walking away from me, and towards the rest of the girls.
The feeling almost leaves a pang in my own heart, but I think better of it. We have no chance together.
And so, I watch as he strolls beside a nymph who I remember is named Crystal. He watches her intently as she fires off a shot that barely misses the center and lands on the second outermost ring. But my euphoria from my success overrides whatever other feelings want to take center stage.
…
The locker room is soon filled with the stench of sweat while we’re all ordered to change. I was lucky enough to snag one of the few showers because of the fact that I sped up to make sure I was the one of the first people to arrive. Anything to escape him again.
I let the warm stream of air quickly wash away the dirt and grime from today’s workout until all that’s left is the wear of exhaustion. I don’t let myself dwell on this entire competition. Today was just another example of my inadequacy compared to the others. I watched time after time as everyone managed to excel in their own right. Even if Cal had helped me, I still didn’t know what I was doing.
And then I can’t help but remember his hands on me as he held my upright and put me in my correct stance. But I concede. I can find him attractive and still think that he’s a dick. It’s just physical.
After my quick shower, I turn off the water and wrap a fluffy white towel around my body. Walking out of the shower I thankfully don’t get the chance to interact with any of the other girls. Never mind that they’re all in conversation already.
Even Nina is nowhere to be seen again as I look to see that I’m the first one to finish. Silently pulling on my blue dress again, I savor the tight feeling of it against my body. Drying my hair off quickly, I don’t even check my appearance in the mirror.
The exit out of the room in solitude is yet another reminder of this competition. I won’t be finding any friends here. The only thing that matters to everyone is getting the prince’s favor. And it seems I’ve already run into muddled waters in that department.
I walk myself down the path back towards the castle unsure of what to do with the rest of my day. No one ever explicitly told me my day plan. But I suppose I could find something to do in the kitchens. Maybe interacting with some of the other reds that aren’t from Queenstrial will provide me a sense of comfort I’ve been missing.
I’m distracted when the guards at the front door give me a quick nod and open the doors to allow me in. Just as I continue the path to my room.
“Mare!” I hear from the other side of the staircase towards the wing of rooms. Turning, even though I already know who it is, I take his appearance in.
Cal himself has already changed back into yet another impeccable tux with a matching red tie.
Feeling petty I rip my eyes off of him and continue walking, thoroughly disregarding him. He still runs after me.
Feeling a grasp on my wrist, he turns me around to face him. “Mare, why did you ignore me? What did I do?”
“What did you do? Are you seriously asking me that? How about you remember last night” I retort. Even if the way my back is now facing the back of a wall makes this feel oddly like our first encounter.
He towers over me keeping a friendly distance away as he puts a hand through his hair and drags it. “I think you know that I didn’t mean that. It just came out and I never meant for you to think that I was implying… that”
I just roll my eyes. “Yeah sure. Whatever. I’m sure you have better things to do now” And then I push myself off the surface and continue my walk towards my room.
But before I know it a hand grips my upper arm and I’m being dragged down the hallway and up the other staircase that leads to the left wing of the castle, into a room. My eyes adjust to the change in lighting and my jaw almost drops. His room.
I’m backed against the door now with him towering over me. Out of the corner of my eye past his tall, broad frame I can just make out a massive dark wood framed bed in the center. The entire space is well furnished with a couch and rug bringing in an underlying theme of black and gold. Fitting for a Calore prince.
“Look, I just need you to understand what I was thinking. I was just in shock and that was the first thing that came out of my mind. I know what it sounds like and I wish I could’ve told you earlier but you just left-” he rambles.
It’s almost adorable how he tries to redeem and explain himself. As for his apology, it couldn’t be more half-assed. He’s a silver, and the prince for god’s sake. To him, I’m no one. Just some girl he fucked at a bar who he now has to deal with.
“You know, it doesn’t really matter what I think. Don’t concern yourself with me Your Highness. In fact, do us both a favor and pretend I don’t exist”, I say using my best attempt at a cold voice.
And it must work because his eyes widen in surprise. I’m just about to leave but before I can he calls out, “Wait!”
I pause and he takes the chance to look down at me from his towering height.
“What’s that on your neck?” he questions, squinting his eyes.
Oh gods. No. I forgot to reapply concealer after my shower. “Uhm… Nothing” I attempt to say, even though I know it’s a fruitless attempt.
I shiver as he runs one of his fingers on my collarbone, brushing aside the strap of my dress to see the mark that I know is there as clear as ever. My face couldn’t be more red.
I watch as his cheeks turn the same shade as my own as lets out a surprised, “Oh!”
“Yeah…”
“I- I didn’t mean to do that the other night”, he starts.
He means he didn’t want to sleep with you, idiot. That thought hurts me even more than I care to admit.
But before I can stop myself, I say “Right. Turns out I wasn’t the only one who thought that walking into the bar that night was the worst decision I made in my entire life”
“Wait what? That’s not what I meant. Fuck. Why can’t I say anything right?” he responds, shaking his head more to himself than directed towards me.
And then before I can excuse myself and with another word his face dips towards mine and my jaw drops. What does he think he’s doing?
But then his lips are on mine. And I can’t think. I can’t do anything but melt. My mouth opens and he takes that as an invitation. His tongue drives towards my won in a messy clash. Instinctively my hands go into his hair, running through those silken black locks I still remember. He pushes me back even more until he’s directly in front of me. Cal attempts to lift one of my leg upwards around his waist but before he can, I freeze.
Wait. What am I doing? It takes me seconds to regain memory of who I am and what I’m doing. He senses the change, but before he can do anything, I slightly push him away from me.
“Stop.” I gasp out. “We- We can’t do this.”
“What? That’s what I meant. I thought that would show you” he says clearly surprised.
“You and me. It won’t work, and I won’t let myself”
“What do you mean? Is it because of what I said before? I thought I already told you I didn’t mean it!” he lets out desperately trying to get me to see reason.
But it’s then that I remember. I remember my life before these past 2 days. Before Queenstrial. Kilorn, the stilts, my family, Mom, Dad, Gisa all come running back to me. My brothers. Still at the front. Dead, dying, who knows.
“Tell me. Tell me what I can do that’ll make you see it. To show you that I’m not who you think I am” Cal says again.
“What can you do? How about you start with my brothers. You know, the one’s fighting that endless fucking war with the Lakelanders. The one’s fighting your useless war. But then again, you couldn’t give less of a shit about some common reds” I growl out.
Because I can’t let myself forget again; I can’t forget who he truly is. He’s the Crown Prince of Norta, and I have no business attempting to see reason where he’s concerned. And he doesn’t bother to stop me as I walk out shutting his door in his face.
a/n: Well, well here we are y’all! Welcome back to another chapter :) Apologies for the delay on this one but it is extra long so I hope I made up for it
Love you all <3
#this is a long one#mare is so bipolar#im running out of curse words to call Cal#red queen#fanfic#mare barrow#cal calore#queenstrial#marecal
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Red Queen Secret Santa 2018 for Rhia @redqueenfandom <3
A/N: A modern AU, a sequel to the ones I wrote before. I wanted to place this in Paris at first, but then I thought I should rather write about a place where I’ve been to – although my memories aren’t that perfect^^° I’m sorry for eventual inaccuracies.
A New Place
Growing Up
The Dinner
Roman Holiday
The Wedding
FInd this on Wattpad and on AO3
Roman Holiday
Mare POV
It’s eleven in the evening when I can call it a day on christmas eve. I put away my apron and slip into my coat and scarf and step outside of the café and onto the streets of Rome, bright with lights, filled with people, bells sounding over me.
Astounding that I hardly need the coat, despite the time and season. But this is a warm place, making it even more of a magnet for tourists coming to flee the winter or to experience christmas surrounded by supposedly more holiness than at home, wherever it is.
I’m not sure whether I should call myself one of them. I’m still a foreigner like them, frequently overwhelmed by Rome’s grandeur and age and visiting its endless sights. But then again, I make my living by serving tourists currently.
Four months into my gap year, I’m spending the winter in Italy, working as a help or assistant in various institutions, first in the cheaper countryside, now in the capital. I was tempted to see the festive spectacle, to be honest, that I’m putting up the higher costs of coming here. Fortunately, my room is affordable enough, but nothing I’d like to stay in for longer than a few days for that price. I knew what I was getting into, I guess, so I’m here to make an experience of it.
Truly, it is one. The ancientness of the city, the marks of history and art everywhere, often pull at my suspension of disbelief until I can take it for real. The more I stay, I’m starting to wonder if I’ll normalize the marvels one moment, no longer able to take it all in as much as it deserves. But I don’t intend to stay that long. I’m here to travel and see the world, and my next stations are waiting. Because for all its greatness, Rome’s also tiring, exhausting me.
There’s a price for a year of travelling, and that is hard, ever-shifting, and often boring work. It isn’t difficult to find jobs when you’re a native English and Spanish speaker in places full of tourists. Interpreters are good to have and I’ve a talent for languages, so my Italian improves by the day. The café I currently work at seems to have mostly foreign customers talking English, but to encounter the barriers of languages, from one foreigner to another, leaves a strange impression. Words get jumbled and guesses have to be made all the time and I try to smile away the stress. I hope that eases the work as well as raise my tips.
Although I’ve understood the processes of applying and have some reserves at hand by now, a consequence of the gap year is a constant worry of having nothing when I wake up next. It can eat at you no matter what, having to rely on yourself alone this much, but then again, it’s also the freedom I’ve craved. Whatever I do, I achieve it by myself. I can be proud of that. Doesn’t that mean I can manage everything?
Yet, it also means that often, I’m terribly alone. To be here, I’ve left behind my home, my friends, and my family. Now I’m meeting strangers every day, of whom each might become a new friend if I gave them the chance. It’s hard, the enduring newness of people and everything else. I can’t open myself up to them all the time, re-introduce myself and every part of me, can’t bring up the energy to translate all of their conversations in my head to take part in them. Thus, I frequently fall into myself and rest alone at the end of a long day full of work.
Tonight is such a time, or could be. It’s still christmas, but the loud and lively shift has destroyed pretty much of my festive mood. This is nothing like my little girl christmases and their inherent childhood magic. This is noise and exhaustion and unfamiliarity. It’s a feeling pulling me off the ground and I’m not willing to give in to it.
The streets around me roar as I scout for a quieter spot where I can sit down. Not easy to find here, as many are already taken, or dirty, or prohibited so traffic isn’t disturbed. But finally, I find a free building block close to the Pantheon. I get down on it and take a deep breath of the night air, letting my body relax as good as possible.
It’s not far from St. Peter where the greatest crowd will celebrate and if I weren’t so tired, I might go there to watch them, to get my own image of it. Shade would be offended to hear about this, as he’s always keen on calling out the catholic church and the pope especially. But I’d welcome his rant if I saw him in person again, like the rest of my family. I miss them so much, and curse once more my decision to stay abroad during christmas. The loneliness is cruel on this day, and the only thing I can do is getting my phone out and looking over their pictures and messages again. I do so every day and send replies back, but I delayed this today, hoped not thinking about them and being unaware about what I’m missing would make my shift more tolerable. That didn’t really work out. I just had a bad day that went to waste while everyone else around me is having fun.
So now I can be lonely while watching my family celebrating christmas. Tramy sells christmas trees and presents the fairy tale-like winter wonderland of the garden center he works at. Bree is with his girlfriend, both grinning and likely slightly inebriated, when Kilorn crashes their photos. Shade, despite his atheist statements, put outfits on his baby daughter Clara that make her look like an elf of Santa Claus and he stands arms in arm with Clara and Diana under a mistletoe that hangs over their door. In another, Diana, seriously studying an important-looking book, wears a silly blinking cap on her head, and in a second photo she hugs Clara besottedly as if in ignorance of a photo being taken.
Mom and Dad are similarly in love with their first grandchild and have tons of pictures with her, of Dad keeping her from crawling into the Christmas tree, or of Bree holding her up to pull on a pinata.
Gisa shines in these photos, too. Even on casual days, her outfits leave me so awed and envious of her style full of details and perfection achieved by her own ideas and efforts. One time, she’s wearing a black dress, a ball dress I almost think, and she looks so gorgeous in it that I don’t know whether to adore her or to be scared of her.
I sniff and swipe tears from my eyes. When I look back to the screen, my contacts are shown. My fingers must’ve slipped and I scroll back to find my family again, as I still have to send greetings and wishes. It’s christmas after all, and since it’s still afternoon over there, it must the perfect time for messages. Maybe even a call. Yes, I should make a call. Yet I stop searching when I see another name on the list.
Cal.
His profile photo seems to smile at me, and I feel myself smiling back at him automatically. At the boy I dated a few times back in the States. The silly, rich, hot and kind Cal who’d muttered something about christmas in Italy back then. How decadent, I thought. And now I’m actually here. I can’t resist the temptation and text “hey” to him.
“Merry christmas!” he texts back. “My parents wanted to visit the holy night in Rome and now we’re watching from our hotel balcony. Can you believe?” Added is a photo of the crowd on St. Peter.
I can’t help grinning like an utter fool.
“Guess what …” I write to him.
I drop hints for him about where to find me, not really expecting him to show up. Why should he, when he’s with his family on christmas eve? And yet, between messaging my family and joking with Kilorn about food, I glance over my appearance in more than one mirror or window to make sure I have nothing in my face.
I’m right at replying to Kilorn’s snarks when I almost bounce into someone. I’m fast enough to get out of reach, but make myself ready to rant back if necessary.
Light falls on his face, and I, silly me, recognize him as Cal, who’s really come to meet with me in the middle of the holy night.
“Merry christmas again, Mare,” he says.
I hesitate. I tuck my hair behind my ears nervously and chew on my lip as I look for words and my composure. But when I see his face, beaming with excitement, I laugh out loud and he laughs along with me. I go to him and in a blink, I stand before him and give him a hug. A friendly one, like I’d hug everyone, yet I don’t let go, and neither does he. I pull him closer, my hands pressing into his back as I step on my toes to kiss his – stubby – cheek and whisper “merry christmas,” into his ear.
He returns the kiss on the cheek.
And then he kisses me on the mouth.
It’s a surprise for both of us, but we don’t stop. Does it mean anything? Or is it just fun? He might be drunk although I’m not, only tired and in need of warmth and a familiar human body close to me.
We pull apart to draw breaths and don’t know what to do afterwards. We grin and laugh again. “We can ... walk a little?” he prompts and I agree and take his hand. With him at my side, I don’t feel so tired and lost. We’re two people enjoying christmas together in a beautiful city, and that changes everything.
“I can’t believe you’re actually here,” I say.
“Same here,” he replies. “Well, you said something about being in Italy during winter, and when my parents talked about travelling on Christmas, I put in an option or two …” He shrugs.
I elbow him softly. “Stalker,” I jest.
“Hey! It was still a surprise,” he objects and smirks. “And you called me.”
That’s true, but I’m unsure whether to tell him how needy I felt an hour before. It’s good as it is, should I dive deeper? We’re strolling through this ancient quarter, two people who might be in love during a lush night, like millions of other people must’ve done before. It doesn’t make me feel small, but incredibly connected and right where I belong tonight. Cal especially seems to fit in here perfectly. With his handsome face, the contrast of light skin and dark hair illuminated by the moonlight, he could be a mystical apparition rising from the ruins.
Oh god, I can never tell him that. He’d never shut up about it, and the idea is way to pagan for this night. Shade would be proud.
“What?” Cal nudges me and I shake my head a little too long just to win time. He frowns.
“You’re her with your family?” I ask eventually. “Aren’t you a little old for that?”
“I …” Bingo. “Ugh, right, that must sound ridiculous to you.” He’s completely flustered and it’s very endearing. “You’re here on your own,” he continues, “and I came here on a family trip like a big baby.”
I incline my head, the corner of my mouth twitching. He doesn’t offer me a chance to reply though.
“However, it does mean something to me.” His hand squeezes mine, possibly inadvertently, as his voice gains a serious edge. “My parents often went on trips with me, of course. But this is the first my half-brother is with us.”
I stand still.
“Mare?” Cal asks. I don’t react. “Mare, your mouth’s open till the Alps,” he says.
A shiver washes over me and I look up to him. His confused face likely mirrors mine. “Mare, didn’t I tell you about my brother? Who’s lived with his mother?”
I nod gravely.
“You see, as I’ve told you, we met at the same college. And somehow, we got along surprisingly well. I was so glad, you know? I think Maven is, too.”
“That’s great.” I smile faintly.
“Indeed, so after a few months, we decided to go on vacation together, as a family. And Maven loves Rome.”
I can easily imagine him, standing in a museum or on the capitol hill among paintings and statues and looking like a mischievous fallen angel himself. “Oh, absolutely,” I say aloud. Only that that deeply puzzles Cal, because he doesn’t know that I know Maven personally, that we were friends and a couple for years. I’ve only learned by accident that he’s Cal’s half-brother.
Now I have no idea how to tell Cal this so late. Seems like Maven didn’t tell him either. I wonder if he figured out who Cal is meeting tonight.
Cal still isn’t enlightened and I take both of his hands and know I have to confess. I look into his beautiful eyes, golden like fire, like light. “I’ve been friends with Maven for a long time,” I say. More than friends. “Until last year.”
If I leave it at this, I’ll never be able to finish. So I go on. “We were together for a while,” I say quietly, and speaking feels like lifting a ton. “As a couple.”
Cal gasps for words. I Iay a finger on his lips. “But that’s over. I’m just glad, really happy, that he is doing well and getting along with you.”
Relief washes over Cal and I’m sure he’ll have to digest this for some time. His hands wriggle in mine, loosen, and wander over my arms to my shoulders. He rubs them and I don’t want him to stop and he doesn’t, as he’s still at loss for words.
I stretch to give him a light kiss. He chuckles. “And I thought about asking you to come with me tonight …”
“Oh, how scandalous.” I tease back, hands on my hips.
“Yes, it’d be awkward for several reasons.”
I shake my head. “Not tonight, “I say with a sigh, a promise ringing in my voice.
He catches the note and smiles. His palms remain a caressing, welcome presence on my back, and I take the final step to embrace him. He pulls me even closer, bending down to my ear. “I’d say I’m looking forward for another time, Mare,” he mumbles, turning my name into a tender touch. “But whenever I let go of you and say ‘goodbye for now’, you vanish in a flash, fast as lightning.”
“I – ”
He kisses the top of my head. “I want to meet you again. I want to get to know you – for real.”
His eyes burn with intensity, his arms feel like a home. So under an infinite black sky, bells tolling around us in a city of legends, I whisper a time and place into his ear. “I’ll be there, I promise.” My hand rests on his cheek. “It’s my christmas present to you.”
@merrymareshmallow @clarafarleybarrow @inopinion @lilyharvord @elliemarchetti (gosh I just hope I did get Italy mostly right) @eurydicel @sarcasm-and-procrastination @marecalrandomstuff @calmareforever @choosemarecal
#red queen secret santa 2018#red queen#marecal#cal calore#maven calore#mare barrow#red queen fan fiction#victoria aveyard#rq ss 2018#red queen secret santa#roman holiday#rq modern au#christmas fic
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screaming in main abt something dc/m/k related bc look i am
currently in a work meeting rn and my friend randomly messaged me about? you know it. THE MAJOR CANON DROP IN THE RECENT CONAN MOVIE AND JHSKDAJSBF HSHOLY HOLY. HOLY
HOLY.
FUKINGHDFH HELL MY MIND IS EXPLODING SPRINTING AT 347MPH I AM ILL. I AM NOT IN THE RIGHT HEADSPACE I AM IN A ZOOM CALL FOR FUCKS SAKE ASHJFHAKDH HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH AND????! I??? AM!!! DEAD!!!
HAD TO OPEN TUMBLR IMMEDIATELY AND TYPE THIS SHIT BC I!! AM!! DEAD HASJAHKS
I cannot fact check atm just made an initial pass over at twt if the info is true and IT APPEARS TO BE TRUE AND I AM . SCREAMING. same with the fanbase. I AM . !!!!!!! !!!!! I AM DERANGED your honor
If not true then I will delete this entire wordvomit of the brain and mind and heart and keep my pretty little mouth shut moving forward HAHA
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You should know that the fanart of gisa you reblogged is completely whitewashed.
Hey there lovely. Yes I know… But I just wanted to help her out, she did seem like a new RQ fan account. I mean I find it super amazing how people do what they love to do. This could be by writing fanfic, making fan art/edits, etc. It is so Amazing. I mean I was also once at a point in my account where I only got 1 or 2 likes, everyone has right? So I really apologize if it had offended anyone, I never intended to do that. My mother and half my family members are brown and I have nothing against their colour. The matter in fact I actually love it so much. I love how diverse the world is and I’ve been growing up with such different cultures, I don’t expect you guys to understand. I mean I live in a small island in Indonesia, but when I do go to Europe to visit some family you could totally see the difference in their cultures. I’m biracial and I’m proud. I’ve been growing up with people of all different cultures and religions. That has really changed my perspective in life, it’s shaped me into who I am today. Like I don’t understand how people can be racist, it has always confused me. But once again please forgive me if I did offend anyone of you by reblogging that post because I never at one point wanted to offend anyone at all. Thanks for reading my little rant. :) ❤️
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Chapter 1.) Odric, Master Tactician (Innistrad) By Jenna Helland (6/27/12)
A town crier hollered the evening news on the cobblestone street below the open window. "Execution at Bloodless Wall! Tomorrow at sunrise! The Healers of Heron are at Child's Wall tomorrow..."
When Odric last looked out the window, it had been early afternoon. Now a cold mist had settled on Thraben, and the city was cloaked in evening shadows. Where is the moon? Odric's arm jerked involuntarily, nearly upending his ink jar. No, he reminded himself. It no longer matters. The phases of the moon were no longer predictors of life and death now that Avacyn had returned and cleansed the world. Or at least begun to...
He glanced across the oak table at Grete, his lieutenant, who looked surprised by his sudden movement. Sir Odric, Master Tactician, Commander of the Gavony Riders and Recipient of the Moonsilver Accommodation didn't startle easily.
"Sir?" Grete asked.
"Darkness fell," he told her. She glanced out the window, and he saw similar emotions play across her features. We've spent too many years as prey. Too many years spent cowering in the shadows.
"There's still no sign of Ludevic," Grete continued, scanning the parchment. "A miller spotted him near Estwald, but he'd moved on before the cathars could detain him. So the hunt continues."
Just the thought of the mad alchemist made his headache. Odric leaned back and pressed his palms against his temples. This was a temporary assignment—one he had requested in hopes of getting an angel's-eye view of Innistrad. Every regiment sent in daily dispatches of what they encountered in the field. From these reports, Odric was piecing together where the Church's power was still being threatened. But he didn't enjoy sitting in a leather chair in a cathedral chamber. He was a battlefield man, much better suited to combat maneuvers than negotiating the politics of the Avacynian Church.
"What of your friends around Hanweir?" Odric asked and was rewarded with a slight smile from the deadly serious Grete. She'd led an assault against a legion of ghouls ravaging the moorlands, a success that had earned her the promotion to second in command.
"We're hunting down the last stragglers. Gisa is being transported from the Rider's Lock up to Thraben next week."
"Triple the escort," Odric said. "She's caused enough trouble in my lifetime."
Grete nodded and scanned the last dispatch. Only a few more days, and Odric's administrative duties in Thraben would be done. His time here had been valuable. He knew that demons were still on the loose, but Avacyn herself was focused on the Helvault escapees. Necromantic activity still plagued the moorlands, but nothing like the heyday of Gisa and Geralf's tyranny. Sigarda's forces were hunting the perpetrators of the Nephalia Massacre. The vampires had all but slunk back to Stensia. Someday soon, I will purge that province myself, but first I must be sure that Avacyn's blessings hold.
"The mayor's son in Torbach tumbled down a river bank and broke his leg."
Odric sighed. "Does the mayor of Torbach truly request the Church's assistance to fix a boy's leg?"
"It says he fell fleeing a... werewolf. He later died of a fever and gangrene."
As Odric pushed himself to his feet, it felt as if a steel trap had closed around his stomach. Every morning since the Cursemute had rid the land of the lycanthrope curse, he'd fallen to his knees praising Avacyn's blessing. But in his heart, he doubted. What if the wolfir reverted to a murderous state? What if the abominations that had slaughtered so many of his kin returned?
"Rouse our regiment," he told Grete. "It seems our days in Thraben have come to an abrupt end."
The Mayor of Torbach was a pompous, red-faced administrator who took power after Avacyn returned. A sheep in fancy clothes, Odric thought. Not a leader during the darkest hours. The mayor had been ranting at them since they arrived in his chamber. Grete shifted uncomfortably beside Odric, no doubt wondering why he was letting this tirade go on so long.
"I demand to know! What is this new devilry? Werewolves walk even during the half moon? Did you not promise that this curse was lifted from us? These wolfir may slaughter us even during the daylight?"
"Sir, there is no reason to believe that a wolfir—" Odric said.
"It slaughtered the widow of Bitterheart Hill!" the mayor interrupted. "Destroyed her cottage just last night! And took its time under her roof. Maybe it slumbered a bit? Going to cook a hock of meat in her fireplace?"
"The creature was in her cottage?" Odric asked.
"This vile creature is terrorizing my village. Where are the angels? The cathars waste time building bridges and trimming apple trees and..."
"One more question," Odric interrupted. "Has it attacked other cottages? Or just the widow's?"
"Cottages, no. But my son! He was just a boy...."
Odric laid his hand on the mayor's shoulder. At his touch, the man abruptly stopped speaking, and tears brimmed in his brown eyes.
"We will find the monster that killed your son and put its head on a pike," Odric assured the mayor, who had lost his bluster and seemed to have no more words for them. Odric and Grete found their own way back to the street where their horses waited.
"He acted as if all it was our fault," Grete said angrily.
"He's a grieving man," Odric replied. A man who has lost a son to a werewolf, he thought. Just as I have.
As they rode toward the edge of the village, the red sun dropped low to the horizon. Above, a sliver of pale moon appeared in the indigo heavens. The phases of the moon once had been Odric's guiding hand. The shape of the moon would figure into his battle tactics as much as supply lines and the morale of his cathars. Odric spent years watching the night sky, noting how the moon touched the world in unexpected ways. Some seemed trivial. The leaves of the maple curled downward during a full moon. Others were crucial to survival. Ghouls moved quicker during a new moon. A waxing moon brought unnatural fighting among the rank and file. With Avacyn's Cursemute, Odric secretly felt he had lost one of his tactical advantages. The moon was playing new games, and Odric had yet to learn the rules.
"What are your thoughts?" Grete asked over the thud of the horses' hooves.
"I knew of the widow who was killed. They called her the Bitterheart Witch. Remember how he said it stayed in her cottage? Something about her attracted the monster. We'll set a trap near there."
As they quickened their horses and made toward camp, Odric's eyes fixed on the pattern of mist around the meek sliver in the sky. Whatever evil was now manifesting itself, it would stop in the shadow of the widow's' cottage. He would mount its head on the gates of Thraben.
By midnight, there was no moon at all. He and Grete lay in the undergrowth at the edge of a clearing. The only light came from a witchbane's orb, a magical ward against curses that hovered at the edge of the trees. The spell was the widow's handiwork, from a time before she'd been outcast by the villagers as a witch. Odric had poured the blood of the widow on the ground below the orb. Blood he'd taken from her lifeless corpse in the catacombs of the local church.
The strange thing was that when he'd viewed her corpse, he'd seen no signs of violence on her. There was no evidence she'd been killed by a werewolf attack, which Odric had assumed after talking with the mayor. She looked peaceful enough to have died of old age.
A hooting call broke the night's silence. He recognized it as a cathar's signal that something had passed through the perimeter of scouts he'd placed around the grove. He glanced at Grete, and she silently stood up and disappeared into the shadows. Odric moved into a crouching position, waiting for the second signal, which would confirm if it was natural or unnatural...
The signal came again, urgently. Unnatural, then.
Odric saw it before he heard it. A shadow—much taller than an average man—stretched across the clearing. He'd fought countless werewolves and none had moved with such quiet deliberation. Odric glanced up at the inky sky, suddenly doubting his strategy. But the monstrosity had entered the clearing and was loping toward the scent of the widow's blood. Whatever was approaching, there was no time to question the plan. Fear holds no place in faith's battle plan.
Odric shouted to the cathars in the treetops, who cast down the heavy net, sending the creature's massive bulk onto the forest floor. Odric sprinted toward it as it struggled under the ropes. He unsheathed his sword as he ran, ready to slice through ropes and neck in one blow.
"Wait!" screamed Grete, attempting to intercept her commander. "Wait! It has an axe!"
Odric froze, seeing the massive weapon on the ground behind the monster. Then he saw the arm—a human arm—a hand, and human eyes, peering out of a haggard face crisscrossed with sickly black veins.
"In Avacyn's name," Odric thundered. "What are you?"
"I'm weakened, cursed, and no threat to you," it said. "I'm Garruk Wildspeaker..."
The guttural voice infuriated Odric. Every corpse that had been mutilated by a werewolf flashed through his memory. He would never forget the raw carnage of the attacks and the senseless rage that left human bodies in bloody tatters. The only way Odric could comprehend those murders was if they were done by mindless beasts. Mindless beasts don't have language or a voice to speak it. And never a name.
Garruk Wildspeaker.
Even when Odric killed werewolves in human form, he never spoke their names. In his mind, the curse stripped them of any human identity they once possessed.
Odric bashed the blunt end of his sword against the monster's temple, hearing the crack of skull as it shattered under the weight of his blow. It slumped to the ground. He yanked the net off the monster and grabbed a handful of its long matted hair. He yanked it back to expose the bare throat where lifeblood still pulsed through its unnatural veins.
"Wait!" Grete was at his shoulder.
Odric lifted his sword.
One blow to sunder the head from the body.
"It's not a werewolf! Sir, Avacyn's blessings didn't fail us."
He wanted its head.
I'll throw it at the feet of Avacyn and scream the name of every person murdered in her absence.
"Let us bring it to Thraben—alive. Leave the days of slaughter behind us. It's a new day in Innistrad."
He wanted to scream at her, too. She'd fought the same wars and lived in the same grisly world as he. But unlike him, her conscience was untarnished.
She's still hopeful.
Grete's compassion would kill her someday.
Someday soon.
Odric let go of the monster and sheathed his sword.
"Drug him and tie him down. It's a long road back to Thraben. Let Avacyn measure the worth of his life."
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i caught up with the latest BNHA episode don’t touch me I am an absolute emotional wreck
#a complete total insane wreck#hearing 'izuku' in nobuhiko okamoto aka bakugou's voice is everything i need#in shambles i am deranged#i am running out of words they turn to tears#I LOVE YOU CLASS1A#THE BEST SUPPORT GROUP.#i am proud of what u all have become.#GRGHSG MY HEART IS OVERFLOWING i need air#bnha#gisa rants
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First Love (Hatsukoi) is doing horrible things to my eyelids making em puff like crazy what I need rn is a long lost TOTGA first love to fill my heart and break it to pieces
#it doesnt help that hikari mitsushima and takeru satoh have incredible chemistry#this is the death of me#break my heart break it beautifully#I AM (NOT) READY#who is watching / have watched hatsukoi let us weep together#still in epi 5 dont spoil xoxo#gisa rants
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